Product Care
On any ride, whether you’re commuting to work or bikepacking through the wilderness, the clothing you wear can be the difference between enjoying the ride, and enduring it. While a lightweight summer jersey can help you keep your cool, a waterproof jacket can save you from despair in a downpour. But to ensure our garments are able to look after us, we must first look after them.
To provide practical advice that helps improve the performance and longevity of your cycling clothing, we’ve put together a series of product care guides, complete with everything from general washing advice to tips on storage. With the right care, you’ll get the most out of your kit and potentially reduce your impact too.
Check out our sustainability hub for up-to-date and in-depth information on the impact Rapha is having now and the action we are taking to reduce it.
Washing Guidance
Believe it or not our first piece of advice is to think about how often you need to wash your favourite garments. Reducing the number of times you wash your garments can extend their life & reduce your impact on the environment. In between washes, we recommend airing your cycling kit and using a sponge with mild soap or detergent to remove lighter stains or dirt.
When wash day arrives, it's important to wipe any excess dirt from your kit with a sponge and warm water to avoid damaging your washing machine. Separating clothing by colour and material can be time-consuming, but it helps reduce the risk of colours running and allows you to adjust the wash settings according to the fabrics your garments are made with.
Set the temperature according to the individual care instructions and avoid using fabric softeners which can leave a waxy film on the garment. This build-up of waxy residue can impair your garments’ sweat-wicking, quick-drying and high-stretch and water-repellent qualities.
Finally, try to avoid tumble-drying your cycling clothes. Tumble dryers use a vast amount of energy and can also cause shrinkage and degrade the quality of your garments. If you absolutely need to use one, make sure to select a low heat setting.
Storing your garments
We all have those pieces of kit that we use on nearly every ride. But as the winter or summer draw in they move slowly to the back of the wardrobe - and it becomes important that they are stored in the right way.
Always ensure you garments are clean and dry before storing, and chose somewhere dry and away from direct sunlight. Ventilated space are essential - ensuring that mould or damp is kept at bay during the winter. You may want to look at using dust proof bags, or moth balls to help protect your garments over long periods of time.
